Starner to Step Down, McKamey to Head Development Office
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico’s Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs has announced that Stu Starner will step down from his position of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, and Kole McKamey, who has served as Assistant A.D. for Major Gifts, will take over.
Both Starner and McKamey joined The University of New Mexico athletic department on April 6 of this year. Starner came to UNM after a long and distinguished career in athletics, most recently with Texas A&M, where he served with the 12th Man Foundation at Texas A&M from 2005-2013.
“When we hired both Stu and Kole, we did so with the knowledge that there would be a long-term strategy that would serve to create a sense of stability and longevity in the Lobo Club,” said Paul Krebs. “Stu provided our department with leadership and direction, and now Kole is ready to continue our Lobo Club mission. As a former student-athlete and a graduate, Kole has a vested interest in this university, and his experiences over the past year has him ready for this position.”
Starner has also served with the foundations at Eastern Michigan (Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the EMU Foundation, 2002-2005), Houston (Chief Executive Officer, 2000-2002), Montana State (Director of Major Gifts, 1998-2000) and Texas-San Antonio (Associate Director for Development, 1995-1998).
He previously served as the head men’s basketball coach at both UTSA (1990-95) and Montana State (1983-90). He graduated from Minnesota-Morris with a B.A. in history and education, and he was a 2006 recipient of his alma mater’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
“I am confident that Kole is well positioned to provide leadership in partnering with the many constituencies of the Lobo Club and our university,” said Starner. “As a graduate of The University of New Mexico, an exemplary former student-athlete and a member of the community, Kole, with support from staff and the Lobo Club Board of Directors, can play a significant role in growing our fundraising capacity.”
McKamey, a former highly-decorated UNM quarterback that led the Lobos to a pair of Bowl appearances, has been tabbed as the Senior Associate A.D. for Development.
While he has been on staff since April, he is probably best known as the quarterback for the Lobos from 2002-06, serving as a team captain. McKamey was the Lobos’ MVP of the 2004 Emerald Bowl in San Francisco and he was invited to the Shrine Bowl in 2006. He also was a two-time Mountain West Player of the Week. McKamey is also known to Lobo fans as the radio color analyst for Lobo football from 2009-2011.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure not only getting to know Stu personally, but learning from him professionally. I’m sad to see him go, but this is what I have aspired to do and nothing excites me more than the opportunity to lead UNM’s Athletic fundraising efforts,” said McKamey, adding, “I have a passion for this University, this State and this community. I’m here to make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and in our program. I’m thankful and I am blessed for this opportunity.”
McKamey and his wife Sarah have two daughters, Peyton and Karsen.